Scottish Discretionary Housing Payment: guidance manual

Section 7: Budgeting

24. Management of DHP budget

24.1 We are committed to fully mitigating the removal of the spare room subsidy. We expect that anyone affected by it who applies for a DHP to cover their shortfall should receive one. LAs will be fully reimbursed for their spend on removal of the spare room subsidy.

24.2 We are committed to mitigating the benefit cap as fully as possible. We expect that anyone affected by the benefit cap who applies for a DHP to cover their shortfall should receive one to the extent permitted by the DHP scheme. LAs will be fully reimbursed for their spend on benefit cap.

24.3 As the DHP scheme has been in place for some years, LAs are likely to have built up expertise and local knowledge enabling the discretionary part of the DHP budget to be profiled to meet demand over the course of the year.

24.4 You may want to explore what other funding is available for providing assistance in your local area where there may be some overlap with DHPs, such as the Scottish Welfare Fund.

24.5 You may also be able to reduce some demand by offering individuals alternative support and advice in advance of considering whether a DHP is appropriate, this may include support through the Money and Pensions Service.